Randomized evaluation of controlled-release codeine and placebo in chronic cancer pain.

Evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of controlled-release codeine (CRC) in the management of chronic cancer pain. 30 Ss (mean age 64.4 yrs) were administered CRC (100, 150, or 200 mg) or placebo every 12 hrs for 7 days preceding the study. Pain intensity was assessed by the Ss twice a day using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pain disability index measured the degree to which pain interfered with functioning across a range of activities. Efficacy of CRC over a 12 hr dosing interval was recorded by the consumption of "rescue" analgesic during consecutive 4 hr intervals. Results indicate that chronic mild to moderate pain can be well controlled with 12-hourly formulation of CRC. The VAS pain intensity scores and pain scores were lower with CRC than with placebo. The "rescue" analgesic consumption was significantly lower in the CRC group than with the placebo treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)